Preparing a Car for a Track Day Event

In recent years, track day events have become increasingly popular amongst car enthusiasts, both young and old. In all honesty, they’re pretty laid back days out as they’re open to anyone of any ability. You don’t need to be a super petrol head or regular racer to have a go.

If you do want to try your hands at driving a car at a professional race track, you’re going to need to make sure that its prepared correctly. These may include physical alterations to the cars body, or internal components.

There are also a few things away from the track that you will need to get sorted.

What Is a Track Day?

We touched briefly on it when we first introduced this article, but track days are non-competitive events usually completed on a professional racetrack of some kind.

Open pit lane events mean that drivers of all abilities are welcome to enter and exit the track at any point during the event. However, if the track is at capacity, you’ll need to wait until an available space is there.

Off Track Must Haves:

If you plan on using your own vehicle (not advised) then you will need the relevant insurance for track usage. The best way to make sure that you obtain the correct cover is to contact an insurance broker directly.

Correct Vehicle and Structurally Safe:

You need to make sure that the vehicle you use is in good, safe working condition. Before you’re able to use the vehicle on the track, a representative from the racetrack will assess the vehicle, either passing or failing it for inclusion.

This will highlight any repairs or maintenance tasks before you compete.

Correct Clothing and Licence Credentials:

Obviously if you’re new to track days, then you’re going to be unfamiliar with the clothing that you can and cannot wear during an event. To take part in any event at a racetrack, you’ll need to have the following without fail:

Suitable helmet that meets the health and safety requirements

Suitable racing shoes or trainers

Correct clothing, no t-shirts or shorts as arms and legs must be protected

One thing you cannot forget is your licence details. You will need to take both your photo card licence and paper counterpart driving licence. Without these, you will not be allowed on the track.

Get Your Vehicle Prepared:

Getting your car prepared for a track event is always a good idea. However, if you’re new to track racing, I’d suggest you keep your spend to a minimum until you’re more familiar with how things operate.

Vehicle modifications and track day preparation are used to improve the performance of the vehicle. Shedding unnecessary weight and adding better performing components for acceleration, handling and braking, is the best way to improve your vehicle.